Flight Training

After a month on simmer, what do AVweb readers think aboutthe FAA’s new BasicMed Third-Class medical exemption rule? Our recently completed survey provides a glimpse and if I could characterize the overall mood, I’d call it disappointed resignation. Why the disappointment? If there’s any common theme in the responses we received on the survey it’s […]

Perhaps you’ve seen the widely distributed aviation video 178 Seconds to Live. The narrative starts: “The sky is overcast and the visibility poor. That reported five-mile visibility looks more like two and you cannot judge the height of the overcast. . .” It continues: “. . . You find yourself unconsciously easing back just a […]

Swift Fuels says it’s pushing hard to market its 94UL unleaded aviation fuel to more airports and that the infrastructure is in place to refine and distribute it virtually anywhere in the U.S. At this week’s Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Swift’s Chris D’Acosta told AVweb that UL94 can be burned by about 65 percent […]

I’ve done enough instruction in the Cub now to understand it’s the worst place in the world to do great flight instruction. Ever been in the front seat of one? Super Cubs don’t count and neither do any of the new-age Cub knockoffs. They’re as far from the 1930s ergonomic hell of a J-3 as […]

Textron Aviation reported record growth in 2016 for their network of Cessna Pilot Center-affiliated flight schools. The program added 24 new flight schools last year for a total of 163 Cessna Pilot Center affiliates. Through the Cessna Pilot Center program, Textron Aviation partners with independent Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools around the world […]

The AOPA Air Safety Institute has launched a new initiative, the Safety Alliance, which brings together safety-related resources from across the industry in one location online. The content, all of which is free to all pilots, is organized by topic on its own Safety Alliance webpage. “ASI is proud to provide a common platform for […]

With roll rates of more than 400 degrees a second and generous power-to-weight ratios, modern aerobatic aircraft make today’s spectacular performances possible. But there’s a school of thought that suggests training in old, slow aircraft actually produces better pilots. Aerobatics instructor Kevin Maher shares his theories on the topic. view on YouTube

So now it’s finally reality. The Third-Class medical exemption is a real thing, or at least it will be in May. Oddly, I am underwhelmed; like winning the lottery and learning that money can’t buy happiness. (OK, but all the same, I’d like a new TBM.) I think I’m not alone in this sentiment, yet […]

The Air Force is considering allowing its dwindling pilot population to moonlight as airline pilots as a way of keeping them available for active duty. Senior brass are reportedly giving pilots more latitude in shaping their own careers with active duty flying as part of the mix. “Are there alternative ways that we can do […]

One issue that comes up with building an aircraft is where and how the pilot learns to fly the aircraft. Many believe it’s the old adage of “kick the tires and light the fires.” But speaking from the insurance side…I don’t think so. When a person is working on their license, they are required to […]